Floyd Little

Floyd Little, a three-time All-American running back at Syracuse, was the Denver Broncos' first-round draft pick, sixth player selected overall, in the 1967 AFL-NFL Draft. Making him so appealing to the Broncos was the versatility he demonstrated at the collegiate level during his years with the Orangemen.

Little’s multidimensional talents quickly translated into success at the pro level. At first, Denver utilized Little more as a return man. As a rookie he led the American Football League in punt returns with a 16.9 average on 16 returns. He scored the only touchdown on a punt return that season in the AFL courtesy of his 72-yard run against the New York Jets. Little also returned a career-high 35 kickoffs for 942 yards. His combined rushing and receiving yardage total that first season was just shy of 400 yards.

As he refined his running style at the pro level, the Broncos continued to give him more carries each season. By his third year he averaged a league-high and career-best 5.0 yards per carry. In 1971, he became the first 1,000-yard rusher in Denver Broncos history. He won the NFL rushing title that year as he finished with 1,133 yards on 284 carries and scored six touchdowns.

Not only did his rushing load increase, but his ability as a receiver out of the backfield also became an integral part of the Broncos' offense. He caught more than 25 passes in each of his final five seasons. Little also showed a knack for finding the end zone, something he did often, especially during a three-year stretch from 1971 to 1973, when he scored a combined 32 touchdowns via rushing and receiving.

Little was named to two AFL All-Star Games and three Pro Bowls. He was also named All-AFL/NFL twice and All-AFC first- or second-team four consecutive years.

In all, Little amassed more than 12,000 all-purpose yards and scored 54 touchdowns during his career that spanned from 1967 to 1975. He gained 6,323 yards on 1,641 career carries and scored 43 touchdowns. He added 215 receptions for 2,418 yards and nine TDs. Little totaled 893 yards on 81 career punt returns and a pair of scores; and he returned 104 kickoffs for 2,523 yards in his nine-season career.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little died Jan. 1, 2021, at the age of 78.

“Floyd Little was a true hero of the game," said David Baker, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "He was a man of great integrity, passion and courage. His contributions off the field were even greater than his amazing accomplishments he did on it. Floyd’s smile, heart and character epitomized what it meant to have a Hall of Fame life."

Read the full tribute article and watch a video honoring Little here.